Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Published on: September 13, 2020
[Persistent chylothorax after fracture of the 12th thoracic vertebrae]
K Flechsenhar1, L Reinhold, T Zimmermann
1Abteilung für Allgemein- und Thoraxchirurgie, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen.
Abstract:
We report on a patient who suffered chylothorax 2 months after she had undergone internal fixation of a fracture of her 12th thoracic vertebral body. The pleural effusion was treated by insertion of a chest tube. The chylothorax was managed conservatively. The patient received protein-rich nutrition supplemented with medium-chain triglycerides. As the volume of chylous fluid drained from the pleura had not decreased after 2 weeks, the patient received total parenteral nutrition without any oral intake of calories. Chest X-rays documented the disappearance of the chylothorax. Reexpansion of the lungs was noted, and the costophrenic sinuses could be clearly visualised.
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